World’s first tele-simulation training course for endoscopic mitral valve surgery

Mitral valve repair is one of the most complex and difficult procedures in cardiac surgery, due to the complexity of the mitral valve and diversity of its pathology. Performing mitral valve Repair through minimally invasive approach either endoscopically, through direct vision or with robotic assistance is even more difficult.

Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair has been shown to be effective and beneficial for patients. Application of this technique has been concentrated in high-volume centres and in the hands of limited numbers of surgeons. Dexterity of open surgery is insufficient for starting a MIMVR programme, new proficiency should be developed in endoscopy and working with long shafted instruments.

The most critical technical steps in endoscopic surgery are working with long shafted instruments. Therefore, the learning curve of MIMVS is steep and unfortunately still developed in patients.

We have developed and designed a high-fidelity minimally invasive mitral valve simulator many years ago in Maastricht and provided over 60 courses worldwide to over 600 surgeons. To make the simulation-based training more accessible to surgeons we have recently developed a tele-simulation platform based on our high-fidelity mitral simulator. This platform is fully 3D printed, transportable and easily assembled. This simulator can be connected to any smart device and give live connectivity from any corner of the globe to our training centre. The mitral valve and papillary muscles are disposable and provides the possibility to be trained in repairing different mitral valve pathologies.

We are very pleased to announce the world’s first tele-simulation course for 10 selected eligible surgeons (Practicing Cardiac Surgeons). The participants can register for a fee covering the costs of the simulator, the disposables, and the loan of the instruments. The participants undergo an online theoretical and technical pre-assessment on the simulators. In the subsequent three interactive sessions (two-and-half hours each) relevant subjects are learnt by dividing the operation into multiple steps including videos and presentations. Parallel to the theoretical teaching, hands-on experience is gained on tele-simulators in a step-by-step manner with a full mitral valve repair carried out on a 3D printed pathologic silicone replica. Post-assessments, evaluation and follow-up will be conducted at the end of the course.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a historical development in our field, get hands-on training in endoscopic mitral valve surgery and have a simulation device on which you and your colleagues can be trained.

This innovative educational program is organized officially by the new global Heart Team Academy that focuses on four important pillars: Dedicated Heart Team, Smart Intervention/Surgery, Education and Digital Healthcare. We are very much looking forward to welcoming you to the world’s first educational program.

Sincerely,

Peyman Sardari Nia, MD, PhD
Chairman Heart Team Academy & Course Director

Course details

Seats available: 10 (selected eligible surgeons)

Dates and times:
Three sessions of 2,5 hours

Course objectives:

• Indication and results of minimally invasive mitral valve repair
• Patient selection
• Set-up, cardio-protection, conditioning, and exposure
• Surgical repair techniques
• Tips and tricks
• Pitfalls
• Gain familiarity and knowledge in instrumental necessities for endoscopic mitral valve repair
• Practice and learn the basic techniques in endoscopic surgery for mitral valve repair simulators
• Practice and learn the annular suturing, Knot-pushing, placements of sutures on papillary muscles
• Mitral valve repair using tele-simulators

Specifics of the tele-simulation platform:

• True simulated physical model of endoscopic port-access set-up whereby the operator can train from the basic technique to full complex repairs.
• Disposable mitral valves and papillary muscles that have been created out of material resembling the physical characteristics of connective tissue giving the operator true experience.
• 3D printed pathologic mitral valve replicas are used to do the full repairs.
• Live connectivity with course director and bidirectional connection of simulation hands-on practices.

Eligibility:

• Practicing cardiac surgeon.
• Course participation will indicate implied consent for the course data to be used for scientific research and publications.
• Commitment to complete all the assessments and the evaluations.
• Commitment to participate and complete a follow-up survey about the impact of the course on the clinical practice of the participating surgeons.

Course Fee: 2727 Euros (exclusive of local VATS/Customs). This is a reduced price for educational purposes. Please note the local tax/customs is dependent on the country and will be required to be paid by the participant separately.

Included in the fee:

• Tele-simulator platform with inclusion of tablet for endoscopic mitral valve surgery with 1-year warranty.
• 1 pair of disposable papillary muscles.
• 1 new closed valve for practicing endoscopic suture placements.
• 1 refurbished valve for practicing endoscopic suture placements.
• 1 new pathologic valve for endoscopic repair.
• 3 Suturing packages (30 sutures).
• Endoscopic instruments (on loan from the sponsoring instruments company).
• Packaging and postage.
• Complimentary access to Maastricht Mitral Masters Webinar series: 3 Webinars with three Live-cases of endoscopic mitral valve repair and 15 hours of lectures from experts.

Program:
Three sessions over the course of 3 days
Pre-course online: theoretical pre-assessment
Pre-course individual tele-sessions: technical pre-assessment

Session 1
Results, Indications, and contra-indications: choosing the right patients
Value of pre-operative planning
Hands-on: Endoscopic suture placements on different angles of the mitral annulus

Session 2
Positioning of the patient/ incisions/conditioning
Transcatheter peripheral cannulation and exposure
Hands-on: Knotting with Knot pusher, placement of sutures on papillary muscles and leaflets

Session 3
Mitral Valve Repair Techniques in endoscopic approach
Pitfalls and troubleshooting
Hands-on: Endoscopic annuloplasty and valve repair on pathological valves

Post-course online: theoretical post-assessment
Post-course individual tele-sessions: technical post-assessment
Course evaluation
Course certification

You can register by clicking the button below or by sending an email to info@heartteamacademy.org. We will contact you as soon as possible.

REGISTER HERE